Randy Guevarra once worked 50 to 70 hours a week as a 911 operator and EMT trainer. The job came with stability, benefits, and a retirement plan. But Randy hit a ceiling with pay, vacation time, and growth opportunities. He wanted more freedom, more time with his family, and a way to control his income.
That change came through wholesaling houses. After closing 15 wholesale deals, including one for $53,000, Randy’s life looks completely different. His story proves that wholesaling real estate can create financial stability and freedom for everyday people willing to take action.
What Is Wholesaling Houses?
Wholesaling houses is one of the simplest ways to get started in real estate investing. As Randy explains:
“We look for discounted opportunities and give a reasonable cash offer for speed and convenience to the seller. Then we take that contract and bring it to another investor.”
Here’s how the process works step by step:
- Find motivated sellers or distressed properties.
- Negotiate a purchase agreement for the property at a below-market price.
- Transfer the contract to another investor in exchange for a profit.
- Collect your check without ever owning the property.
For instance, Randy could lock in a property for $100,000 and assign the agreement to another investor for $110,000. That investor might put money into renovations and later resell the property for around $200,000, walking away with a solid return.
In this scenario, the seller moves on quickly, the investor benefits from the flip, and Randy pockets a $10,000 assignment fee.
This strategy makes wholesaling houses one of the fastest ways to earn in real estate without significant upfront costs.
Randy’s First $10,000 Wholesale Deal
Randy’s first wholesale deal came after mailing 500 postcards to distressed property owners in Henderson, Nevada. One homeowner called him back while Randy was at the gym. After asking about the property condition, seller timeline, and price expectations, Randy set up a meeting.
Nervous but determined, Randy sat at the kitchen table with the seller and drafted his first contract. One week later, he had a $10,000 check in his hand.
The seller chose Randy instead of listing with a real estate agent because they needed to relocate quickly to Tennessee due to family illness. They also wanted to avoid the Las Vegas summer heat. Randy’s honesty and focus on helping people sealed the deal.
As he explains, “I’m about people over profits. Suppose I can help you get where you need to go, great. If not, I can point you in the right direction.”
Building a Buyer Network Through Realtors
One of Randy’s most innovative strategies for wholesaling houses was networking with real estate agents. His pitch was simple:
“If you come across properties that won’t pass appraisal or need work before listing, please call me. I can get a cash offer and close quickly.”
This approach creates a win-win for realtors:
- They earn referral fees on properties they can’t list.
- They may earn commissions representing buyers for Randy’s deals.
- They can earn listing commissions when the property is renovated and resold.
In one case, a realtor earned three different commissions on a single deal Randy wholesaled. This “triple dip” incentive keeps realtors motivated to bring more opportunities.
From Overworked to Free
When Randy saw his first $10,000 wholesale check, his mindset shifted. He realized he could “wash, rinse, and repeat” the process. Over time, he went from feeling like a “walking zombie” at work to living life on his own terms.
Today, wholesaling houses allows Randy to:
- Spend more time with his two-year-old son and fiancée.
- Travel to places like Kazakhstan, Turkey, and Hawaii.
- Enjoy financial stability without stress over bills.
- Live free from a boss or set schedule.
It wasn’t immediate. Randy says the first two to three years of entrepreneurship were tough. But persistence, daily action, and learning from mistakes paid off.
Key Lessons for New Wholesalers
Randy’s journey offers essential lessons for anyone interested in wholesaling houses:
1. Speed Matters
When a seller calls, answer immediately. Randy lost a deal by returning a call just 15 minutes late because another investor beat him to it.
2. Think Creatively
Randy noticed a lack of Spanish-language “We Buy Houses” signs in his area. By creating Spanish signs, he connected with sellers whom others missed. One deal brought him $53,000 from a seller moving back to Mexico.
3. Use Wholesaling to Build Capital
While wholesaling houses provides fast checks, Randy sees it as a stepping stone to bigger investments like fix-and-flips and rental properties. Wholesale fees offer the cash needed to fund those opportunities.
4. Take Imperfect Action
Randy believes entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone. But for those willing to push past fear, challenge limiting beliefs, and take daily action, the rewards can be life-changing.
Final Takeaway
Randy’s story shows that wholesaling houses can be more than just a side hustle. It can provide freedom, financial security, and the chance to design your own lifestyle.
From overworked 911 operator to closing $50,000 wholesale deals, Randy proves that with persistence and action, this business model can transform lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much money do you need to start wholesaling houses?
Most new wholesalers start with $1,000–$5,000 for marketing, contracts, and basic business expenses. Randy began with postcards. Compared to traditional investing, wholesaling requires far less capital.
Q: Is wholesaling houses legal?
Yes, wholesaling is legal when done correctly. The key is full transparency with sellers and buyers. Some states have stricter rules, so it’s smart to consult a real estate attorney in your state.
Q: How do you find motivated sellers?
Randy used direct mail postcards and Spanish “We Buy Houses” signs. Other strategies include driving for dollars, cold calling, digital ads, and realtor referrals. Consistent marketing across multiple channels brings the best results.
Q: Do you need a license to wholesale houses?
In most states, you don’t need a real estate license. However, a license can help with networking and credibility. Always check your state’s rules before starting.
